If you’re heading to Italy in 2026, there are some rules and regulations that you should know about to be sure your trip is as stress-free as possible. From what to pack and wear to avoid dress-code violations, to entry fees and the latest on the European Travel Information and Authorization System, here’s what to know, courtesy of ItaliaPass’ on-the-ground experts in Italy.
Know the new rules for entering the EU
You’ve probably heard about the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) — but the good news is that summer travelers don’t yet need this extra approval to enter Italy. Enforcement is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, via a pre-departure application and approval process using the official ETIAS website. For now, note that this pre-clearance will be required for EU visa-exempt citizens who don’t have an EU resident permit (passport holders from the United States, Canada, or Australia, for example, will need ETIAS if they don’t have European residency). There is a projected fee of €20. ETIAS will allow for stays of up to 90 days, and the authorization will be valid for three years (as long as your passport is still valid). Note that ETIAS will not be available on arrival; the official website recommends that when the program is in place you should apply before you buy your airline ticket or book your accommodation.
Be prepared to pay and queue to enter some public places
As more travelers converge on Italy’s most popular destinations, entry fees are no longer only for museums; even some public spaces and open-air monuments require admission tickets. Though it’s not news, it’s worth a reminder that to enter the historical center of Venice in 2026, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee if you’re visiting for the day during high traffic times and are not staying overnight. (High traffic times generally include Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and some weekdays during peak holiday season). Booking in advance can save you a few euros. If, however, you’re staying overnight at a registered accommodation within the Municipality of Venice or fall into one of the exemption/exclusion categories listed on the Venezia Unica website, you’ll be exempt from paying, but you will still need to obtain a QR code attesting to your status. Most hotels and B&B hosts will apply for the exemption on your behalf, but it’s worth checking with them directly to make sure you’re covered. Information about key dates to know and how to pay the fee are available on the Venezia Unica website.
A new entry and fee system was also launched for Rome’s Trevi Fountain at the beginning of 2026. Admission tickets (€2 at the time of this writing) are sold at the entrance but we recommend buying your ticket in advance on the official Trevi Fountain tickets website. Another way to avoid dealing with entrance tickets is to work with a local trip planner, such as ItaliaTours, which offers tours and skip-the-line access for major monuments.
Pack appropriate footwear
If you’re heading to Cinque Terre this summer, or anytime in 2026, there’s an important rule about shoes that you need to know. Footwear must be “closed shoes with non-slip soles, preferably waterproof and covering the ankle," and violators could be fined or not permitted to enter the trails. While this rule is about safety, not the “fashion police,” whether you’re exploring the Cinque Terre or anywhere else on the coast in Italy, you’ll fit in with Italians much more seamlessly if you remember that flip-flops are only for the beach.
Know when to cover up
Along with flip-flops, swimwear should also be kept on the beach. Fines for wearing swimwear in public have been enforced in Positano and Sorrento and you can easily avoid an uncomfortable situation by throwing on a shirt or a cover-up when heading into town from the beach. Another crucial place to be modest is in churches and within the Vatican museums. If you have your shoulders and knees covered you’ll be set, and having a scarf in your bag is always a good idea.
Consider leaving the car behind in historical zones
When you’re deciding how to get around in Italy, there are some strong arguments against driving. The train system is well-connected and efficient, and with high-speed rail trains you can travel from one end of the Boot to the other in a few hours. But if you want to spend extended time in the countryside or are traveling in regions like the Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Puglia, Calabria, Basilicata, Sardinia or Sicily, having a car can help you see more.
If you do rent a car, you need to know about ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato or Limited Traffic Area), a restricted area in the historic centers of cities designed to reduce traffic and pollution. Only authorized vehicles (residents or public transit) can enter a ZTL when it’s active, and unauthorized vehicles will be fined via camera controls. In many cities, you’ll see electronic signs that indicate whether the ZTL is active or not, as some urban centers may have the ZTL on only at certain times of day. The fines can be hefty, and it’s best to avoid guesswork by parking your rental car outside the historical center, even if it means a longer walk to reach your destination. Better yet, opt for train travel.
Wherever you’re headed in Italy in 2026, travel experts like ItaliaPass are ready to answer your questions.
Are you ready to plan your trip to Italy? With ItaliaPass, you’ll get discounts on train travel and tours, and have exclusive access to members-only events. All of this, backed by 24/7 English-speaking customer service. Learn more at Italiapass.com.
